Honda RYA Youth RIB Champions crowned

Congratulations to Kamila Czartolmna, aged 13, who became the first girl in more than 10 years to be crowned a Honda RYA Youth RIB national champion at the weekend. She and Jamie Paterson (10) claimed victory at the PSP Southampton Boat Show, on 14 September 2014.

The Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship is Britain’s leading programme introducing kids to powerboats and training them to be safe, proficient drivers and excellent boat handlers.

How it went on the day

In flat and sunny conditions, 28 of the UK’s most talented young RIB drivers showed great skill and speed at the throttle of the two Honda powered Highfield RIBS as they tackled the tricky championship course in front of a packed crowd.

Here’s a video of the day:

In the 13-16 age group, West Midlands finalist Kamila (South Staffordshire Sailing Club) blasted her way to championship glory with a winning time of 1:04:10, just split seconds faster than Mark McDonough (Ballyholme Yacht Club) who finished in second place.

Commenting on the race, Kamila said: “The water was much calmer than it was last year and the year before. I was hoping to win today because I came second last year and I’ve been down at the club practicing almost every weekend so it feels great! I love the fact that this competition gives you something that you wouldn’t normally get to do.”

Flying the flag for Scotland was Jamie from Findhorn Marina who clinched the winner’s title in the 8-12 age group with an blistering time of 1:27:41, beating North East representative Ollie Pirt by seven whole seconds. Jamie said: “It feels crazy! I never thought I’d win it. Today was my first time competing and it was tough, when I saw other competitors have their go I didn’t think I had won”.

The competitors were required to manoeuvre around the testing course, which included a slalom run, a 360O reverse around a buoy, and a stop exercise.

Phillip Crossman said: “Honda have been associated with this competition for 13 years and the reason we became involved is because it’s our aim to encourage young people into boating, to be competitive and also to be to very safe. The young people here today have been through their club finals, regional finals and have performed in one of the biggest events in the UK-this national final. I wish them all congratulations.”

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